The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is taking part in Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, which runs from 9 to 13 November. It is the first internationally coordinated campaign on the risks of unlicensed online gambling and is organised by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR).
The campaign asks consumers to check whether a site is licensed where they are playing before they bet. IAGR has launched a free tool, CheckBeforeYouPlay.org, contributed by regulatory technology company Sharp Vision, which lets users enter a website address and see licensing information from participating member jurisdictions. IAGR recently recognised Denmark’s StopSpillet work.
Michigan’s message
The MGCB is promoting a “Play it safe. Bet legal.” message, including radio announcements through November. Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, said:
“Illegal gambling operators want you to believe they’re just another option. They’re not.”
The regulator lists offshore websites, unlicensed sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets offering sports contracts without a Michigan licence as illegal operators. It has sent hundreds of cease-and-desist letters.
Prediction markets in Michigan
- Kalshi: the Michigan Attorney General secured a preliminary injunction in September barring it from offering sports event contracts in the state.
- Coinbase and Robinhood: both agreed to stop offering sports-related event contracts to Michigan customers.
- Polymarket US: on 28 October agreed to stop new sports contracts and close open ones held by Michigan residents by 25 November.
“Illegal gambling doesn’t stop at state or national borders, and neither can our response,” Williams said.
